The season is finally here! For the first time in a decade, the Columbus Crew will play a CONCACAF Champions League match on Thursday to begin the 2021 campaign. The Crew are in Managua, Nicaragua to face off against Nicaraguan powerhouse Real Esteli in the first leg of the Round of 16 at 8 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1.
This match has huge implications for next Thursday’s second leg with the Black & Gold having a chance to gain an edge with some away goals. If the matchup is tied on aggregate after the second leg, the team with the most away goals will advance.